Cameroon defeat Malawi to win maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title -

Cameroon have won their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Malawi 3–0 in a dominant final played in Rabat, Morocco.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a powerful first-half display at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday, August 16, 2026, scoring three goals to settle the contest before the break.

Marie Ngah Manga was the star of the final, scoring twice to put Cameroon in a commanding position. Naomi Ndjoah Eto added the other goal as Cameroon took control of the match and never allowed Malawi to recover.

Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo had been forced into action. The breakthrough gave Cameroon the advantage they needed and increased the pressure on Malawi.

Cameroon doubled their advantage around the half-hour mark through Eto, who produced a composed finish after receiving the ball with her back to goal and turning brilliantly before sending her effort inside the right post.

Ngah then struck again in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. Eto turned provider, delivering a precise cross for Ngah to head home her second goal of the evening and give Cameroon a 3–0 lead at the interval.

“I feel like it’s a dream because you know Cameroon have been working hard to have this moment and today for us to be champion of Africa is a very, very wonderful thing,” Ngah Manga said after the historic victory.

The second half was largely about Cameroon managing their advantage. Malawi attempted to respond and create opportunities, but the Cameroonian defence remained organised and prevented the Scorchers from finding a way back into the contest.

The victory ended a long wait for Cameroon. The Indomitable Lionesses had previously reached the WAFCON final three times, in 2004, 2014 and 2016, but lost all three finals to Nigeria. Their fourth appearance finally brought the long-awaited continental crown.

Cameroon’s achievement was even more remarkable because their journey to the tournament had not been straightforward. They initially failed to qualify after losing home and away to Algeria in the final qualifying round. However, after the tournament was expanded from 12 to 16 teams, Cameroon were among the highest-ranked teams brought back into the competition.

The team took full advantage of that second opportunity, progressing through the tournament and eventually defeating Nigeria before overcoming hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. Their run culminated in a convincing final victory over Malawi.

For Malawi, the defeat brought an end to an extraordinary debut campaign. The Scorchers were appearing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time but managed to reach the final, becoming one of the biggest stories of the tournament.

Malawi’s remarkable run was powered in part by sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, who had been among the tournament’s most dangerous attacking players. Their presence had helped Malawi overcome several established African sides on their way to the final.

Despite the loss, Malawi secured a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Cameroon also qualified for the global tournament, with both finalists having already secured their places alongside fellow semi-finalists Morocco and Algeria.

Cameroon’s victory also made them only the fourth nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the competition began in 1998, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

The final demonstrated the strength and depth of Cameroon’s squad. While Ngah Manga provided the goals, Eto played a major role in the victory with one goal and an assist, repeatedly troubling Malawi’s defence.

The result was particularly significant for a Cameroon side that had endured years of disappointment on the continental stage. Losing three finals had created a painful history for the team, but the 2026 tournament gave the Indomitable Lionesses the opportunity to rewrite that record.

Ngah’s performance also cemented her place among the standout players of the tournament. Her two goals in the final took her tournament tally to five, underlining her importance to Cameroon’s successful campaign.

For Malawi, however, the journey remains a major achievement despite the final disappointment. Their first appearance at the tournament ended with a runners-up medal and qualification for their first Women’s World Cup, giving the team significant progress to build on.

The final also represented a meeting between two teams seeking their first WAFCON title. Cameroon had previously come close three times, while Malawi were contesting the tournament for the first time. In the end, experience and a clinical first-half performance proved decisive.

Cameroon can now celebrate a historic night in Rabat. After years of falling short, the Indomitable Lionesses finally reached the summit of African women’s football, defeating Malawi 3–0 to lift their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy.